Can local football teams continue surprise success?

If one win is a good start, two could be a trend.

Can three games qualify as a streak? A handful of local prep football teams sure hope so as they tread through uncharted waters.

Whatever direction you span in the Daily Herald coverage area, you’ll find decades of success when it comes to football. But there are also bastions of struggles, at least recently.

While looking back and looking ahead, let’s check in on a few teams enjoying a surprise burst of winning. And, hopefully, a streak.

Two in a row … and counting?

Congrats to Elgin, Aurora Central Catholic and Metea Valley on moving to 2-0 last weekend. Now if they can just keep it going.

As Elgin enters play in the Upstate Eight Conference West Division, the Maroons must feel pretty good. Not only because of wins over Fenton and Grayslake North, but because of what awaits on the schedule.

By closing with four games against teams standing at 0-2, it’s realistic to envision Elgin reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2019. It’s an opportunity to grab at least five wins for only the second time since 2010.

It’s tougher to predict Aurora Central’s path. As an independent school, the Chargers’ schedule is far-flung with four games against Wisconsin teams. Only two of their remaining games are against teams returning from last year’s schedule.

The Chargers, meanwhile, are on track to win more than three games for the first time since 2017.

Metea Valley’s 2-0 start is most refreshing. While fellow District 204 schools Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley boast a solid playoff history, the Mustangs have yet to break through in 14 seasons except for one postseason game in 2014.

It’ll be a tough road for Metea Valley in the Southwest Valley Blue. But don’t count out the Mustangs, who already have matched their win total from the last three seasons combined.

DuKane dandies

It’s no secret the DuKane Conference is among the state’s most competitive leagues. Last season’s title game appearances by Batavia and Geneva proved as much.

While it’ll take time to determine if a state title contender emerges from the pack this season, the DuKane looks deeper than a year ago. And for two specific reasons.

Glenbard North and Lake Park both appear improved. The Panthers are led by their vaunted power running game with Donato Gatses. The Lancers boast experienced quarterback George Tzamouranis, who accounted for all five touchdowns in last week’s win over Bartlett.

For the second straight year, the teams are a combined 4-0. Neither team made the playoffs last season, so the obvious key is sustaining their success in DuKane play.

Mid-Suburban musings

The MSL West again dominated the East in their annual crossovers by winning five of the six games for a third straight year.

The East last claimed bragging rights in 2022 with four victories.

We’re still two weeks away from the start of the MSL division schedule. Until then we’ll get another long look at how the MSL stands up against the Central Suburban League.